Even though the Olympics do not tip-off until July there are still basketball players who will be fighting for a gold medal in June. Team USA will try to beat out 7 other countries (Argentina/Belize/Brazil/Canada/Dominican Republic/Puerto Rico/Venezuela) in the 13th edition of the FIBA U18 AmeriCup biennial competition, while also trying to qualify for a spot in the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Switzerland. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Team USA player Derrion Reid about rolling with the Tide and being named a McDonald’s All-American.
You were born/raised in Georgia, and as a sophomore at Grovetown High School you won the Class 6A state title: what did it mean to you to win a championship? It meant a lot. I had big shoes to fill as 1 of the youngest players in my grade but even though there were 4 seniors in our starting lineup I was still able to make a good impact as a crucial piece.
Why did you decide to transfer last year to Prolific Prep? We had a couple of good years at Grovetown when I was a sophomore/junior, but after that senior class left I knew that I could expand my game by playing with higher competition.
You had scholarship offers from several great schools including Florida State/Georgia but you signed with Alabama last January: what was the biggest factor in your decision? It was so close because I had a great connection with all the schools and their coaching staffs. In the end I just felt that Alabama was the best fit for my style of play.
You are part of a great recruiting class that includes your Prolific Prep teammate Aiden Sherrell as well as Labaron Philon/Naasir Cunningham: how close are you and Aiden, and how well do you know the other 2 guys? Aiden and I are very tight: we have played against each other since we were growing up, saw each other at several camps, and were even roommates at Prolific Prep. Labaron and I played together for an entire year of AAU ball (with Team Thad) and have clicked since then. I played against Naas a little in the past and I expect to grow that relationship throughout the year ahead.
You missed most of this season due to knee surgery: how is your health doing now? I am 100% after doing various rehab in Alabama/Sacramento/at home.
Last January you were named a McDonald’s All-American (along with Aiden): what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It was a dream come true. There were questions after my injury as to whether I could get back onto the court in time but I was good enough to play in the game so it was a great accomplishment.
You are listed at 6’8″: what position did you play in high school, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? I can play any position and will go wherever my coach needs me. I play mainly at the 3 but I can guard the 2 or the 4 or bring the ball up the court as the 1.
Your mother Marie played basketball at South Carolina State and led her team in scoring/rebounding as a senior: who is the best athlete in the family, and do you think that she will be moving to Tuscaloosa as well? I am definitely the best athlete in my family…even though some of my relatives do not want to admit it! As of now she is looking at moving to Alabama with me.
1 of your favorite players is Jayson Tatum: do you think he will win a championship next month? I actually texted him yesterday and told him to get it done!
On Tuesday you were named to the U18 national team that will compete in the Men’s AmeriCup next week in Argentina: what does it mean to represent your country, and what would it mean to you to win a gold medal? It means a lot. When I was younger I made out a list with a whole bunch of accomplishments and all of my short-term goals are finally coming true.